Hi. I'm new to this forum so forgive me if this topic is an old one! I'm working on a T140 that I brought over from the States. Engine has good compression, sparks and fuel, and the seller sent me a video of it running. I'm do a total strip down and refurb. So my question is ... bottom end. Buy tools and do it myself, or give it to a Triumph specialist? I've worked on many triumphs when I was (a lot) younger, including a race Rickman 8 valve outfit, so I'm reasonably qualified. But I no longer have the pullers etc, and have lots to do on the rest of the bike. I'm happy to do the head and barrels, just thinking about the main lump. Primary drive sprocket needs replacing in any case. I'm in Windsor, Berkshire. Any recommended local engine specialists you can mention? Thanks
If you are confident with engine work as you say then buying a few specialist tools is a small outlay really
Welcome Paul, welcome indeed, we need more excellent and really well thought through Triumph ownerships on here. Obviously the best Triumph there ever was, the mighty T140, or ever will be. I try to have an open mind about these things Getting to the front sprocket needs the clutch and primary to come out. There's not much more to do for the casings to come apart after that. Definitely do the work yourself. There's not that many tools to buy, they are easily available, fairly cheap and you'll have them forever. Handy for all the other classics you'll buy after this one. Unless you really know that a rebuilder is of the right stuff, you will never be sure that the work has been done right. Good reputation builders charge good reputation prices. I've not had one T140, that has been rebuilt by others, that didn't need work on it. Some have arrived complete with copies of invoices for engine rebuilds and they've been erm.....not too clever once I get the spanners onto them. Do it yourself, do it right, with the right bits (there's a lot of cheap shite out there) and get the enjoyment of knowing that if it breaks it was your own fault. Lots of people on here to help, and there's lots of help available on all aspects of the rebuild on the web that we can steer you to. Crack on....oh, where's the photos?
Thanks everyone for the comments and encouragement. maybe I was being a bit lazy! As you say, I've had numerous Triumph twins (and other brit iron) apart in the past, so it's not a mystery. I'm pulling the clutch off anyway as it's glued together, and once that's off I might as well do the primary sprocket. I suspect that the mains are in good shape, but it would be good to check before reassembly. Hopefully I can get the sludge trap out! Here's the "before" photo.
Paul Barfoot. Nice bike. What miles are on the bike and does it need a strip. If low miles i would just run a flushing oil and let that do the job. Then run a good 20/50 for around 100 miles and do a change. Welcome to the family. Joe